Ways to help tackle homelessness by encouraging Norwich people, including council tenants, to rent out spare rooms, are to be explored.

Eastern Daily Press: Encouraging people to rent out spare rooms could prevent homelessness, say Green city councillors. Pic: Jonathan Brady/PA WireEncouraging people to rent out spare rooms could prevent homelessness, say Green city councillors. Pic: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire (Image: Archant)

Norwich City Council tonight unanimously approved a Green motion for City Hall's Labour cabinet to consider looking at ways to work with charities and to publicise the need for spare rooms to be made available.

Sandra Bogelein, Green city councillor for Wensum ward, who proposed the motion, said it could help council tenants to avoid the bedroom tax, while tackling homelessness.

While the motion was unanimously agreed, Labour's Gail Harris, deputy leader and cabinet member for social housing, warned it was a complex issue, which would need careful consideration.

She said: 'I would hope that we would all be aware of the potential safeguarding issues that could arise from the point of view of both the landlord and tenant.'